Forest Hills Hospital's Charmaine Thomas Named Nurse Leader of Year by 1199 SEIU
May 29, 2008
Ms. Thomas manages a medical surgical unit at Forest Hills Hospital, a member of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. A mother of five children, whose 20 year-old daughter recently became an RN, Ms. Thomas said that she is “doing what she loves to do” and her commitment to her profession shows. “She is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality to our patients,” said Robert Hettenbach, executive director of Forest Hills Hospital. “She leads by example, providing compassionate care to those who rely on us while serving as a model for other employees.” While Ms. Thomas has clearly found her life’s calling, she didn’t begin her career as a nurse. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Touro College (New York City) in Business and Accounting, Ms. Thomas worked as an accountant and accounting supervisor for several years before deciding to make a career change. She obtained an ASN degree from Excelsior College (Albany, NY) followed by a BSN from the University of North Alabama and an MBA from Baker College (Michigan). She says she could not have completed her schooling and coped with the demands of her job without having the support of her close-knit family. “Nursing is truly a labor of love,” Ms. Thomas said and she seeks to impart all she has learned to others who have a similar calling by serving as a per diem teacher in the NYC public school system, where she has taught the LPN program at Hillcrest High School in Queens. “Charmaine is an effective communicator who educates and empowers others,” Mr. Hettenbach said. “With the compassionate humanity she brings to her position and the way she values each member of her team, she truly embodies all the qualities of a nurse leader. She is most deserving of this honor. We’re lucky to have her at Forest Hills.” Media Contact: Brian Mulligan, 516-465-2618 |
